This cache hunt will
take you through Morrone Birkwood to a second wood just beyond, the
cache is situated not far in.
This birch wood is a
special areas of conservation (SACs) are strictly protected sites
designated under the EC Habitats Directive.
.Morrone Birkwood is one
of several sites representing juniper Juniperus communis formations
in north-east Scotland. It has the most extensive and diverse
example of a transition between woodland and juniper scrub in the
UK. The site contains examples of juniper developed both on
limestone drift soil and on contrasting acidic soils. The stands on
lime-rich soils are the largest and most diverse in Scotland.
.
The flora is
species-rich, with a well-developed northern component. This
includes rare species usually associated with Scots pine Pinus
sylvestris woods, such as twinflower Linnaea borealis, serrated
wintergreen Orthilia secunda and interrupted clubmoss Lycopodium
annotinum. Nodding mellick Melica nutans, globeflower Trollius
europaeus and northern bedstraw Galium boreale also occur. Juniper
is actively regenerating on the open slopes above the wood. Pollen
analysis indicates that the wood has not altered floristically
since the post-glacial period.
The path could possibly
be negotiated with one of those all terrain type baby
buggies.